Mammograms Save Lives

Every three minutes a woman learns that she has breast cancer. In fact, more than 212,000 American women will receive that terrifying news this year and nearly 41,000 of these women will die from the disease. In 2006, 1,400 women in and around Queens will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.
The American Cancer Society in Queens continues to encourage women in our communities throughout Queens to adhere to American Cancer Society screening guidelines for the early detection of breast cancer. Women must continue to get their annual mammograms because mammograms save lives. Yet, despite knowing the importance of regular screening, there has been a noticeable drop in the number of women getting annual mammograms, a trend that is both alarming and potentially life threatening.
Another disturbing trend is shown in a recent study: annual mammography among breast cancer survivors, who are at an increased risk of recurrence or a new malignancy in the other breast, dropped off after a few years. Through the Queens Breast Health Partnership, the American Cancer Society in Queens is able to provide no-cost mammograms to women who are eligible.
Thirty years ago, breast cancer was shrouded in mystery and wasn't openly talked about. Today, early detection and innovative treatment options are making it possible for more women than ever to survive and thrive after diagnosis. The majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no close relatives with this disease. The biggest risk factors for breast cancer are being a woman and growing older. Although all women are at risk for breast cancer, it is far more likely to occur in women ages 40 and over. In fact, nearly 8 out of every 10 cases of breast cancer are found in women age 50 and older.
The American Cancer Society recommends several things to improve your chances of surviving breast cancer. Yearly mammograms are recommended starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health. Clinical breast exam (CBE) should be part of a periodic health exam, about every 3 years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women 40 and over.
Women should know how their breasts normally feel and report any breast change promptly to their health care providers. Breast self-exam (BSE) is an option for women starting in their 20's. Women at increased risk (for example, family history, genetic tendency, past breast cancer) should talk with their doctors about the benefits and limitations of starting mammography screening earlier, having additional tests (for example, breast ultrasound or MRI), or having more frequent exams.
Every day, the American Cancer Society fights breast cancer through research, education, advocacy and patient services. On Sunday, October 15, 2006, we held our Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk at Queens Borough Hall. The event brought together 7,000 walkers and raised $600,000 for the fight against breast cancer right here in Queens. The success of this event has enabled the American Cancer Society to fund more than $295 million in breast cancer research projects since 1972. It also helps us to continue to provide programs and services such as Reach To Recovery, Look Good Feel Better, Road To Recovery and our Hope Lodges. We must continue in the fight against breast cancer until it is a disease of the past.
For cancer information 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week, the American Cancer Society is available at 1-800-ACS-2345 as well as through our website at www.cancer.org.
David Golub is the Queens Regional Vice President of the American Cancer Society.